Deltasone is used to treat many different conditions such as allergic disorders, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, or breathing disorders. Deltasone is in a class of drugs called steroids. Deltasone prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

INSTRUCTIONS

Take Deltasone exactly as it was prescribed for you.

Take Deltasone by mouth with food.

Do not take Deltasone in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from Deltasone.

Your steroid medication needs may change if you have unusual stress such as a serious illness, fever or infection, or if you have surgery or a medical emergency. Tell your doctor about any such situation that affects you.

If you miss a dose of Deltasone, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Do not stop using Deltasone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Deltasone.

STORAGE

Store Deltasone at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Deltasone out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Prednisone.

Do NOT use Deltasone if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Deltasone

you have a systemic fungal infection

you are currently taking mifepristone.

Contact your doctor right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Deltasone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you are scheduled for a vaccination with a live virus vaccine (eg, smallpox)

if you have an underactive thyroid, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, or ulcerative colitis

if you have heart problems, esophagitis, gastritis, stomach obstruction or perforation, or an ulcer

if you have a history of mental problems, such as depression

if you have a herpes infection in your eye or any other type of infection (bacterial, fungal, or viral); have or recently had tuberculosis (TB) or tested positive for TB, measles, or chickenpox.

Some medicines may interact with Deltasone. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because the effectiveness of Deltasone may be decreased

Methotrexate or ritodrine because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased

Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), mifepristone, or live vaccines because the effectiveness of these medicines may be decreased

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or aspirin because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased or decreased.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Deltasone may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Deltasone makes you more susceptible to illnesses, especially if you take it for an extended period of time. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people who have colds or other infections. If you are exposed to chickenpox, measles, or TB while taking Deltasone or within 12 months after stopping Deltasone, call your doctor. Report any injuries or signs of an infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, or muscle aches) that occur during treatment and within 12 months after stopping Deltasone. Your dose may need to be adjusted or you may need to start taking Deltasone again.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Deltasone before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Deltasone may cause an elevation in blood pressure, salt and water retention, and increased potassium loss. You may need to restrict the use of salt and take a calcium supplement.

Deltasone can cause calcium loss and promote the development of osteoporosis. Take adequate calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Do not receive a live vaccine, especially smallpox, while you are taking Deltasone.

Lab tests may be performed while you use Deltasone. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Infants and children on long-term therapy must be closely monitored by a health care provider.

Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in children and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they take Deltasone.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Deltasone while you are pregnant. Deltasone is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Deltasone, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: